How many pillion seats are out there?

[ManDownUnder]

Following the lurkers thread. I want to know - how many (good, safe/experienced) pillion seats are available out there?

Mine's always available anytime to anyone that happens to be going down the same road as me. Organised rides seem the sensible place to start. To do this right we need good riders (read, not young, not dangerous, not wanting to impress the pants off their pillion - literally or otherwise).

This is a two way street. There is the chance to introduce someone to riding, or to put them off forever.

So - who is capable, able and willing?

And where are you?

[kiwifruit]

Yep, Taupo.

[Trudes]

I would be, but I haven't actually pillioned anyone and don't fancy killing any strangers, my hubby won't get on the back as he's too chicken, so I'm looking for a guinea Pig pillion to practice on. Any takers?

[Squiggles]

I'm young but not "dangerous", have introduced my mrs and her friends to bikes and at least 2 of them are keen on getting a bike now :yes: am in Auck's

[ManDownUnder]

Of note - a pillion is always entitled to ask someone to stop and change bikes at any time of course - or simply get off.

Riders and pillions need to learn to ride together, just as a rider needs to learn how to ride, and a pillion needs to learn to be a pillion.

The middle or end of the ride would be a good time to swap notes, riders and pillions.

[Blackbird]

Yep - Tokoroa area (South Waikato/BOP) and Coromandel mainly. Nearly 40 years of carting people on the pillion (blush).

[Nasty]

I would be, but I haven't actually pillioned anyone and don't fancy killing any strangers, my hubby won't get on the back as he's too chicken, so I'm looking for a guinea Pig pillion to practice on. Any takers?


Snap ... I think that is why my luvver has chosen to buy his own bike ... :yes:

[imdying]

I dislike taking passengers so much my pillion seat and footpegs fell off :innocent:

Can't kill my wife now :love: ... dammit, she'll get the house though :bye:

Might get something more pillion friendly next, maybe an R6 :lol:

[Karma]

To do this right we need good riders (read, not young, not dangerous, not wanting to impress the pants off their pillion - literally or otherwise).

Sorry, voted before I saw this bit. ;)

[WRT]

Count me in, always happy to take a pillion.

[Bloody Mad Woman (BMW)]

Experienced rider, pillioned riders and non-riders. Wellington. Very important to me that the pillion feels safe and comfortable. Happy to take a pillion.

[klingon]

Just want to say that this is an excellent idea. Can't participate in the survey because I've only had my learner's for a couple of weeks (why is there no category for me, MDU? I feel all left out :bye:) But having been a pillion with a few people off here, I would be delighted to see others having that opportunity.

Also, can I point out that pillioning isn't always a step to getting your own bike? Sometimes pillioning is just what it is. It's its own kind of fun.

[nadroj]

New Plymouth area seat available at times. I reserve the right to do some rides alone and have several regular pillons so join the cue.

[DMNTD]

Plenty experience but my ZX10 isn't idea for adult pillions but no problems swapping bikes with my Lady(SV1000s) and taking someone for a cruise.
Currently in Whangarei but moving to Tauranga within the next month....happy to help out. :yes:

[nudemetalz]

I've been riding for 24 years and had my full licence for 21 years (yup, do the math).

My Guzzi ain't too bad for a 2 up ride and available if you want a v-twin spin.

[Hitcher]

I've been told that I ride like a nana all the time, so pillions need have no fear. I also understand the passenger accommodation on the rear of an FJR is salubrious.

[ManDownUnder]

Just want to say that this is an excellent idea. Can't participate in the survey because I've only had my learner's for a couple of weeks (why is there no category for me, MDU? I feel all left out :bye:)


Thanks - and you're not left out... I'm trying to find out how many seats are out there, so we can maybe start bringing some pillions along - whatever their reason may be for pillioning.



Also, can I point out that pillioning isn't always a step to getting your own bike? Sometimes pillioning is just what it is. It's its own kind of fun.

Tis a good point, and if we can facilitate such fun - why the hell not?

[sels1]

, so pillions need have no fear. I also understand the passenger accommodation on the rear of an FJR is salubrious.

As is that of the Tiger, as one or two on here may confirm..

[ManDownUnder]

errr - would the mod that changed that last option please read what the poll is about, and change it back? It should read "Indicate location" or something like that

I'm trying to find who has full licences, is willing to take a pillion and where they are...

[Maha]

Well Nigel, my pillion seat always has a pillion on it, but in saying that it could be arranged that i can free it up sometime, Anne is an excellent pillion (now that we got 'that' little cornering problem sorted) :innocent:
Anyone that knows me and my style of riding...:blip: would agree that im a safe and curtious rider....:scooter:

[Flyingpony]

Location: Christchurch
Licence Level: Full
Bike has Pillion seat: Yes and has matching pegs
Will I carry a Pillion: I've never carried a pillion and I'm not willing to take the risk. Sorry

[blacksheep]

location palmy north,full license for 28 years,been a pillion and have pillioned for most of bike life ,would be willing to take pillions but you would have to join the queue behind er indoors and the rugrats:yes:

[The Stranger]

So - who is capable, able and willing?

And where are you?

Are you related to Disco Dan per chance?
Be very careful how you answer this one ladies.

[RC1]

full licence 19yrs, hamiltonish ( taupiri) my pillion seat always empty as my partner looks after kids while im out on bike,usually free only for a couple of hours on sat and sun,dont ride in crap weather,had lots exp taking pillions ,keen to help anyone in the area who wants to jump on

[RC1]

if anybody wants a guinea pig for pillion practice i will also be happy to jump on there bike

[Keystone19]

I am in Auckland

I regularly carry pillions

I am happy to take anyone for a ride but I do prefer that they are lighter in weight...doesn't matter really but if they are an inexperienced pillion then it is my preference that they are lighter.

[Animal]

...Can't kill my wife now ... dammit, she'll get the house though

Ah hell, that's hilarious!:clap:

[Lissa]

Have to agree with klingon - again! wanting to be pillion is in its self totally different to getting your own bike and learning. Always thought I wanted just to be a pillion, but now after having my own bike, I love the feeling of being in control. :Punk: Although I dont mind being pillioned by an experienced rider.

Once I get my full I really dont think I would be comfortable taking a pillion at all.

Just my 10 cents worth!! Only cause I want my post count up!!

[Crisis management]

I've been riding for 30ish years and am in Auckland. Happy to help out with pillioning dependant on having time available....the joys of over commitment and self employment!
Keep me in the loop and I'll see what I can do.

[Maha]

I love the feeling of being in control. :Punk:



Trust me to pick up on this but, isnt there other sites for this kinda thing??......:innocent:

Note to MDU....Sorry about the off topic thing..wont do it again....:spanking:

[Disco Dan]

Are you related to Disco Dan per chance?
Be very careful how you answer this one ladies.

hehe :innocent:

My pillion seats available... so is my lap :yes: :yes: :yes:

Learning licence at the mo, but been riding for about year and a half.

I dont crash tooo often :innocent:

GPS system on my xmas list... :innocent:

[Maha]

hehe :innocent:

My pillion seats available... so is my lap :yes: :yes: :yes:

Learning licence at the mo, but been riding for about year and a half.

I dont crash tooo often :innocent:

GPS system on my xmas list... :innocent:


Oh you seem perfect for the job DD.......pick me pick me!!!....:shutup:

[Karma]

I've only ever pillioned once, when I was like 13 or something, those who have met me know why :(

On the plus side, anyone who needs a bit of weight on the rear of their bike for wheelie practice can take me pillion :D

[Lissa]

Trust me to pick up on this but, isnt there other sites for this kinda thing??......:innocent:

Note to MDU....Sorry about the off topic thing..wont do it again....:spanking:

:angry: I'm really disappointed... it took 50 minutes for dodgy comment to be made... your slipping!!

Spank him MDU!

[ManDownUnder]

hehe :innocent:

My pillion seats available... so is my lap :yes: :yes: :yes:

Learning licence at the mo, but been riding for about year and a half.

I dont crash tooo often :innocent:

GPS system on my xmas list... :innocent:

So close and yet... not quite what I had in mind.

Pillioning might be one of the topics to bring up on the AWNMR though - for those with a year or two under their belt?

Longer term I'm looking for a smaller group of riders that are known good, safe rides for pillions of all levels of experience. Complete newbies that simply wonder what it's like through to those that know and love being a pillion.

It seems to be a very big, very overlooked area on this site.

I can't help but wonder if a group similar to Mentors could/should be set up for exactly that reason although the logistics of matching them up to people wanting a ride might be interesting.

I don't want to burden those who organise rides with arranging pillions as well - that's bollox. They have quite enough to do already. But if a bike and pillion are lined up ahead of time and just show up then so much the better for all.

... another 5c poorer... or is it 10c now?

[ManDownUnder]

:angry: I'm really disappointed... it took 50 minutes for dodgy comment to be made... your slipping!!

Spank him MDU!

Piss off, last time I did that I saw this God awful lump appear in his pants, a wee wet spot and... well... it more than put me off to be honest

[klingon]

So close and yet... not quite what I had in mind.

Pillioning might be one of the topics to bring up on the AWNMR though - for those with a year or two under their belt?

Longer term I'm looking for a smaller group of riders that are known good, safe rides for pillions of all levels of experience. Complete newbies that simply wonder what it's like through to those that know and love being a pillion.

It seems to be a very big, very overlooked area on this site.

I can't help but wonder if a group similar to Mentors could/should be set up for exactly that reason although the logistics of matching them up to people wanting a ride might be interesting.

I don't want to burden those who organise rides with arranging pillions as well - that's bollox. They have quite enough to do already. But if a bike and pillion are lined up ahead of time and just show up then so much the better for all.

... another 5c poorer... or is it 10c now?

Yes, yes, yes! (excuse my excitement)

I think pillions are sadly neglected on here.
I could be a pillioning mentor! I've finally found my niche in life!

[Mom]

So close and yet... not quite what I had in mind.

It seems to be a very big, very overlooked area on this site.

I can't help but wonder if a group similar to Mentors could/should be set up for exactly that reason although the logistics of matching them up to people wanting a ride might be interesting.




I agree! I have ridden for many years, a quite a few of them carrying pillions, it is a learned skill to have someone on the back of your bike, you actually have to have a degree of trust back at them, so a learn to pillion/be a pillion activity may well be a great thing to organise .

For what it is worth (and I think it is 10c now mate) I have pillioned children, and adults. I am not a big female, and have even pillioned my ex-mother-in-law for 10 days on the back of a step thru scooter in Rarotonga (huge great big fat bus sixed backside on her)....she would have been the biggest challenge, I didn't drop her once! tho she certainly made it hard to take off for sure....:sweatdrop

It is a skill to master, if I had a bike I would be happy to take someone out with me, for now I am content to be the accessory

[chanceyy]

pillioned lots over the yrs .. riding down to the funerals & first time pillioning in 15 yrs .. did not take long to get back in the groove .. thanks AJ

& LOVED it .. yup still be working on getting my own bike .. but love pillioning with someone who makes it an enjoyable experience ..

[Mrs Busa Pete]

Plenty experience but my ZX10 isn't idea for adult pillions but no problems swapping bikes with my Lady(SV1000s) and taking someone for a cruise.
Currently in Whangarei but moving to Tauranga within the next month....happy to help out. :yes:

Good can you pick zeroindex up from hamilton on your way through on the 31st:love:

[twinkle]

I'm happy to pillion anyone, but I am riding a gn :rofl: they'd have to be the patient type.

[Trudes]

if anybody wants a guinea pig for pillion practice i will also be happy to jump on there bike

Stink you're in Hamiltonish, as I'd love to swing by for you to try out my seat and give me some pointers.

[NighthawkNZ]

My pillion seat is usually free and Im happy most of the time to pillion someone... been riding for 20 years (errr counts fingers) yup 20... sheese

As long as they are comfortable and don't destable the bike in any way... It usually doesn't bother me... (am willing to teach no problem) My ex was so tiny I had nudge her to see if she was still there... lol

Oh and yeah I ride totally different when I have a pillion... I usually ride like a NaNa cause I am looking every where and at everything... saying to myself ohhh pretty... oh shiney... oh you wanker cage driver... oh pretty... oh kewl bike...

Not sure how comfy the VTR rear is though, but the sheep skin will help...

EDIT: I do have a weight limit of around 70 - 75kgs (going by the owners manual and no offence meant!)

[BigB]

Been riding for 18 years and the birds got a real comfy seat on the back (just ask Cibby)

Always keen to have someone along for the ride.

cheers

B

[Gineen]

location palmy north,full license for 28 years,been a pillion and have pillioned for most of bike life ,would be willing to take pillions but you would have to join the queue behind er indoors and the rugrats:yes:



Would be happy to join your queue blacksheep

[Waylander]

Full liscence for 6 years with three years worth pillion experiance.

Ask LittleSweetie_2006 (http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/member.php?u=9048) what it's like on the back of my bike.

And oh yea, I'm in Tauranga.

[R6_kid]

mines free for group rides. due to me being 'well built' passenger weight is restricted to 75kg! (according the the owners manual)

[madmal64]

Happy to pillion from time to time. The seat is reasonably comfortable ( so I am told) but its pegs are quite high so as long as peeps dont mind the sport style ride they are very welcome.
Riding for 25+ years. The wife lets me take out both of our older kids so even she must think Im responsible.

[Oakie]

Pillioning. Hmm. On Friday I delivered Santa to the Xmas party for the residents at the place I work at, on the back of my bike. Get this ... Santa stood on the pillion seat instead of sitting! (Bloody 'Performing Arts' students!). Pillioning someone standing instead of sitting is a whole lot easier than I would have thought though ... not that I'm recommending that anyone try it. (My biggest fear was that I'd crash and hurt Santa then have to front up to 65 disappointed intellectually disabled partygoers to explain.)

Back on topic ... there would be great domestic dis-harmony if my pillion seat was occupied by anyone other than Mrs Oakie so sorry ... my tail-gunner position is probably not available.

What I found really fascinating though (as a guy who works with figures) is the way this poll has filled out. In each of the 3 locations you have a certain number biking for up to 5 years ... a lesser number going from 6 to 9 and then a higher number than the first period for the demographic '10 years and over'. If you ignore the fact that the third period is much longer than the first two it sort of mirrors what a lot of riders life experience is here. That is ... ride for a few years, give it up while doing the kids and mortgage thing and then pick it up again somewhere around the forties.

[Karma]

Pillioning. Hmm. On Friday I delivered Santa to the Xmas party for the residents at the place I work at, on the back of my bike.

Back on topic ... there would be great domestic dis-harmony if my pillion seat was occupied by anyone other than Mrs Oakie.

So you're saying that Santa, is actually Mrs. Oakie???

[Big Dog]

I am in Auckland

I regularly carry pillions

I am happy to take anyone for a ride but I do prefer that they are lighter in weight...doesn't matter really but if they are an inexperienced pillion then it is my preference that they are lighter.

I recommend that before take a pillion that weighs more than you do you get some serious pillion kms, say 10,000 kms 2 up.

After that based on my own arsograph, if you want to feel in control you passenger should weigh less than a third of yours and your bikes combined weight (EG. bike = 260 kg rider = 75kg so pillion should weigh less than 260 + 75 / 3 = Pillion should weigh less than 111.66 kg.).
The one limitation being that the gross laden mass must be under the max load of the bike.

I doubt there is not anyone here I cannot pillion unless you put us over the load of the bike. The bike says 300kg may load in gear I am 155 kg if you weigh less than that and want a ride let me know via bigdogonamotabike@hotmail.com.

Do not post your request in here, there are plenty of small minded individuals who will misuse the information.

[Oakie]

So you're saying that Santa, is actually Mrs. Oakie???

Nah. She wouldn't fit down a chimney (and I'm damned sure she wouldn't stand on the seat of my bike!)

[Big Dog]

After 200,000kms + I have learned......

http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showpost.php?p=850092&postcount=24

[Karma]

After that based on my own arsograph, if you want to feel in control you passenger should weigh less than a third of yours and your bikes combined weight (EG. bike = 260 kg rider = 75kg so pillion should weigh less than 260 + 75 / 3 = Pillion should weigh less than 111.66 kg.).
The one limitation being that the gross laden mass must be under the max load of the bike.

I doubt there is not anyone here I cannot pillion unless you put us over the load of the bike. The bike says 300kg may load in gear I am 155 kg if you weigh less than that and want a ride let me know via bigdogonamotabike@hotmail.com (bigdogonamotabike@hotmail.com)

Mate, I reckon you and I could test the limits of your bikes load if you wanted :D

How do you know the max load of your bike?

[Big Dog]

Mate, I reckon you and I could test the limits of your bikes load if you wanted :D

How do you know the max load of your bike?

Most come with a pretty book with lots of pictures under the seat and most also come with max recommended load oil etc on a sticker on the side of the swingarm.

[terbang]

I find the Busa great 2 up, giving the rider a lot more control over the pillion than other types I have ridden or currently ride. Recently gave another rider a lift home and he was considerably bigger than me. The suspension was setup for solo riding, itwallowed a bit and he did a couple of little standups (sorry mate having fun there) but it was easy to control.

[Dadpole]

Most come with a pretty book with lots of pictures under the seat.

Not if you bought it new from Wellington Motorcycles in the early eighties. They would sell it to you though. :argue:

[Dutchee]

Wierd poll. I've had my FULL licence over 20 years but have less than 3 years road experience and have pillioned once (over 20 years ago).

I'd rather know what experience pillioning the rider has plus what experience the pillionee has. Having been pillionee more times than I care to remember, I know what bad experiences I've had causing me to ride my own bike now. I know (am told) I'm hopeless as I'm wanting to ride my own bike when I'm pillion. Last time (couple of weeks back) I remember braking & then remembering, hmm, I'm on the back of my own bike.

Nope, won't take pillion even though I could. If you weigh less than 45-50kg & are keen to have a novice pillioner as your first ride, yell out, I'll talk you out of it hehehe

[Big Dog]

How do you know the max load of your bike?

Kawasaki reckon your bike does not exist lol.
try this spec sheet for the 500's http://www.kawasaki.com/DefaultFrame.aspx?strContentURL=/SITE/VIVEHICLEINFORMATION/VICHOOSEVEHICLE.ASP
says 186kgs max laden weight.

[Karma]

Kawasaki reckon your bike does not exist lol.

Bastards!!


try this spec sheet for the 500's http://www.kawasaki.com/DefaultFrame.aspx?strContentURL=/SITE/VIVEHICLEINFORMATION/VICHOOSEVEHICLE.ASP
says 186kgs max laden weight.


well if that's the case I've gone over a couple of times... most I've ever had on it was 230kgs... :shutup: but that was a quick trip from a to b in auckland.

[Big Dog]

Wierd poll. I've had my FULL licence over 20 years but have less than 3 years road experience and have pillioned once (over 20 years ago).
Around10-15,000 kms with pillion.
My "Pillion in a million" loves it but she is more than a little biased.
Blondini is the only unbiased person here with experience in my saddle.
But that was only a short this is what counter steer feels like 500m

[Vagabond]

Been riding for 24 years and have had various pillions, some were excellent and some I've refused to take again mainly because you have to be able to trust each other implicidly and both rider and pillions lives rest in each others hands.

I would take a pillion but they would have to be around the same size as me or smaller, I only say this because I'm a small dude and my Z1000 won't be too comfortable for larger beings! (no offence meant!)

[Big Dog]

Keep in mind max weights are normally to do with will the subframe snap with a pillion on at speed kind of immagining.
if you stay under 100, your parts are not groaning, and your rubber is not deformed your golden. just don't get near the top of the clock if you want your linkages to stay in one peice.
I've riden a GPX250h with me a 100kg pillion and weeks clothes each. around 300kg on a 180kg rated bike to Wanganui from NP.
Did have to put some air in the tires (max rec inflation) but other than that it just took a quiet talk to myself to remember, no speeding and same lean = less turn at same speed.

[Gremlin]

mmm cheers for that link Big Dog... mine has a N/A max load? That means its heavy enough, or so heavy, and umm... well-engineered that it can handle anything? :innocent:

Had my full for like... a month... but have pillioned 4 different people, decent number of k's... errr... you figure out how I managed to do all that in 1 month ;) Granted, all were riders anyway, so I haven't had any "eeeeek, I don't want to lean for this corner" moments...

Don't think I'm that bad... and weighing enough... pillions don't have too much effect, unless I let them.

I enjoy pillioning... and in East aucks...

[Big Dog]

mmm cheers for that link Big Dog... mine has a N/A max load? That means its heavy enough, or so heavy, and umm... well-engineered that it can handle anything? :innocent:

No, just not tested.
Kawasaki heavy industries are withholding comment until the crash stats are in, it seems that there has not been one last long enough for the subframe or linkages to fail from weight stress :dodge:
:Rofl:

[blacksheep]

gineen pm me your ph # and i'll see what i can do.:scooter:

[Jimmy B]

Back to riding after a 5 year break but plenty of pillion experience. Ive only put 2K on the new bike so havent quite got my groove back, I reckon this will take another 3 or 4 months (8K) so after that I will be set. Bike rated at 180kg gross laden and I suck up about 100kg, max recomended speed fully laden 130kms, so if you are a tiddler who doesn't like speed then I am happy to take you from about march 07:done:

[ManDownUnder]

ok - so.... we have 40 seats available in Auckland, 25 in Wellywod, 10 in Chch and another 25 or so scattered around the place.

How do we let people know they're available, and connect the wannabe pillions with bikes? From a practical point of view, it seems to me pillions would want to find someone near them. Can we somehow flag profiles making this possible?

Set up a new group, per the mentors group, "Pillion Seats" or something?

Ideas....?

[Jimmy B]

MDU

I think you are onto it, It needs to be a sticky and prolly located in Newbies/wannabes so anyone interested can scan through and make contact with the appropriate rider

[Charlie]

What about off shore....?

I'm only a newbe rider myself and have been out a couple of times with KB in Wellington a while back. I havent reached the taking pillions stage yet, and although riding upfront is best I still love being on a bike, even if its on the back seat! :scooter:
I moved to West Sydney (Penrith) a couple of mths ago leaving my bike locked up in Welly and sooo miss riding. Would love to a) get on a bike as a pillion and b) explore my new home.

Long shot; but if there are any experienced KBer's across this way who are bored over summer and wouldn't mind meeting up I'd be more than interested..... :yes:
P.S I dont have any of my riding gear with me as yet either so a loner helmet and jacket is also required.

[NighthawkNZ]

There has to be some rules, and tips...

Ie; riding gear...can you supply a spear helmet (how well does it fit) sturdy boots and footwear, heavy jacket etc...

They should met first and get to know them before the ride... (you can pick up a lot about people in a few minutes and alot more over a cuppa coffee) can I trust him/her with my life... Go for a quick test ride to see if you are both compatible with each others styles, rides (and any weight restrictions). Get to know the other person before any long ride.

Get your signals sorted before the ride...

blah blah blah :)


Also for the riders... Old stuff but needs to be said and reminded every now and then.... remember add length to your stopping distance, cornering, pickup speed, and the way the bike will handle, may feel lighter up front... You may have a nervous newbie pillion and can destablise the ride and corning (You have to make your pillion feel relax and have faith in your abilities) Don't show off... Check your tyre pressure. etc...

[Charlie]

They should met first and get to know them before the ride... (you can pick up a lot about people in a few minutes and alot more over a cuppa coffee) can I trust him/her with my life... Go for a quick test ride to see if you are both compatible with each others styles, rides (and any weight restrictions). Get to know the other person before any long ride.
Wize words Nighthawk AGREE 100%.

[Nutter34]

I'm in Nelson. Done pillioning before on several bikes. Been riding 18ish years

Of course I'd be biased to taking ladies out for a ride...

[Gremlin]

How do we let people know they're available, and connect the wannabe pillions with bikes? From a practical point of view, it seems to me pillions would want to find someone near them.
I'm a single guy... so it seems an easy answer to me? :dodge: I'd always be available to do my chivalrous duty for some young lass ;)

errr.... thanks Big Dog :bash: And its had around 180kg around town, 160ish sporty riding... :yes: